Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has, with immediate effect, suspended operations of four food and beverages production companies for non – compliance to minimum hygiene standards.

Pacific Hotel

The four food production companies are Universal Industries at Ginnery Corner in Blantyre, Pacific Hotel and Conference Centre, Stary Puffs and Vrushadri Spirits Limited in Lilongwe.

Speaking in an interview, MBS Executive Director, Davlin Chokazinga, said the companies have been suspended from offering services as stipulated in the Malawi standards of food processing and production units.

“We found that the companies were not adhering to hygienic conditions contrary to the Malawi Standard number 21 of the Food Processing Code of Hygienic conditions which empowers MBS to close down institutions which do not comply with stipulated guidelines.

“That is why we temporarily shut down the companies,” said Chokazinga.

However, he said the companies have been given some time to improve on the areas lacking the hygiene, noting that, that can only be done while the units are closed temporarily.

“These companies are supposed to maintain hygienic conditions being food production firms in the country. The suspension will therefore be lifted depending on how soon they will rectify the problems, if not, they will be taken to court to justify why they put lives of consumers at risk,” he warned.

Chokazinga, therefore, assured people in the country that the bureau would continue to inspect production and manufacturing companies regularly to ensure sustained compliance to set standards.

However, Universal Industries Limited management insisted that the only person who could comment on the matter was the Production Manager who was out of the country on official duties at the time of going to press.

Further attempts to talk to management of Pacific Hotel in Lilongwe did not pay off as the reception line was persistently busy.

Sorry for the closures! Aha, the manager was out of the country and nobody authorised the bribe!? This is why this Mwenjes got shut down!
By the way, who is MBS?
Is it not another bureau or authority with a blown up ineffective , retarded apperatus, which contributes nothing to the improvement in the private sector, only want to make problems for the sake of corruption!

By the way, how did PACIFIC HOTEL get such prime land in the City Center with such an UGLY BUILDING. Lilongwe City Council should demand demolition of this eye sore. No wonder their standards are very low.